Barren Cross

    Barren Cross

    Los Angeles, California7 reviews across 7 releases

    hard rockheavy metalpop metalpower metal
    Discogs

    Barren Cross emerged from Los Angeles in 1983, combining Christian subject matter with the clipped riffs, high-register vocals, and guitar attack associated with Iron Maiden. The early Believe EP established a forceful sound built around pounding drums, distorted guitars, prominent bass work, and Mike Lee's emotional singing. Rock for the King expanded that material with fuller production and three new songs, turning the rougher debut into a more polished heavy-metal statement. By Atomic Arena, released through Enigma in 1988, the band had a larger drum sound and sharper studio finish, while its writing addressed abortion, cults, spiritual death, and the emptiness of rock-star prestige. State of Control kept the dense guitar-and-rhythm-section attack but pushed toward thrash, adding keyboards to one fast song and cleaner hooks to others.

    Mike Lee left during the 1990 touring cycle, and Ray Parris and Jim LaVerde completed outstanding dates with temporary musicians after the band's original run came to an end. The live album Hotter Than Hell Live documented that period while drawing mainly from the Atomic Arena tour and earlier material. The original lineup returned for Rattle Your Cage in 1994, whose songs moved toward melodic metal, polished rock, and more narrative writing; its central ballad dealt with forgiveness after personal injury. Barren Cross later reunited for isolated performances, including a 2002 California show and a 2012 appearance at Switzerland's Elements of Rock festival. The latter produced the live release Birth Pangs in 2013. Steve Whitaker died from ALS on November 6, 2025.

    7 releases reviewed